Needles are never fun. They hurt, they can cause infection and in some unfortunate cases, they can spread disease. That’s why researchers are developing an inhalable measles vaccine[2] for the developing world, where clean needles aren’t always available. The vaccine[3], which is under development at CU Boulder, will begin human testing this summer.

Here’s how it works: researchers combine “supercritical” CO2 with a weakened measles virus, producing bubbles and drops that dry when warm nitrogen is applied. This dried vaccine can be inhaled through a small circular opening in a plastic sack, sending the protective powder into the patient’s lungs.

The first phase of human testing will begin in Pune, India[4], with 180 patients getting the powder. If all goes well, CU Boulder researchers might use the technique to produce vaccines for other diseases, including cervical cancer and tuberculosis.